pessimism

pes·si·mism
/ ˈpesəˌmizəm/
•
n.
a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future:
the dispute cast an air of deep pessimism over the future of the peace talks. ∎ Philos.
a belief that this world is as bad as it could be or that evil will ultimately prevail over good.
DERIVATIVES:pes·si·mist
n.

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pessimism

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.

Copyright The Columbia University Press

pessimism, philosophical opinion or doctrine that evil predominates over good; the opposite of optimism. Systematic forms of pessimism may be found in philosophy and religion. In religion Buddhism and Hinduism pessimistically appraise the world, while Christianity's pessimism is more restricted. Numerous philosophers have been pessimistic, notably Arthur Schopenhauer in the 19th cent. and Martin Heidegger in the 20th cent.

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